Maarten on the slopes of Peisey Vallandry Originally from Holland, Maarten now lives and works in Vallandry as a receptionist for a Dutch company who have chalets there. There is a small Dutch community in Peisey-Vallandry and he says that this stops him from getting too home-sick.

When he was a wee boy his parents bought a chalet in Vallandry, so most of his family holidays were spent there. He learned to ski on the Vallandry slopes and has got many childhood memories of being there in the summer. A few years ago he completed an internship there for the season and he loved it so much he decided to stay. Now he spends as much time as he can exploring the extensive Paradiski ski area.

How long have you lived in Peisey Vallandry?

I have now lived in Peisey Vallandry for about 4 months but I have been holidaying there for about 10 years.

What is your favourite thing about the resort?

It has a big area with a lot of possibilities, wide open slopes, winding cat tracks, and exciting tree runs so it’s a ski area that suits everybody, fantastic for beginners and equally good for advanced skiers. I love that that its is so well connected, with a speedy lift system and there are very few flat parts so you’ll very rarely have to skate.

Where’s your favorite place to eat on the mountain?

I have three favourite places: Les Chalets de L’Arc is a beautiful restaurant that offers higher end local cuisine. It is a little more expensive and you’ll have to reserve a table but I that’s just a sign of its popularity. Le Blanche Murree is another great restaurant but when the weather is bad it quickly gets packed inside. And finally, L’Arpette: there is always room here and it is a great place to just grab a quick bite.

And where’s the best food in town?

La Caleche is a traditional French restaurant in town and the food is amazing. Enough said!

Where would you ski on a powder day?

I love the tree runs around Vallandry and Peisey. Head up the Transarc ski lift and there are some great spots behind the restaurant down to Nancroix.

What is your favorite run in the ski area?

The blue run and the red run from the Derby and skiing down from the top of the Aiguille Rouge down to Villaroger. The only down side is that the lift to the Aiguille Rouge is pretty average. The view from the top is stunning and choosing your route is difficult as there are so many great runs.

If you were to spend a full day treating yourself, what would you do?

First I’d ski all my favorite spots. Then I’d find a seat in the sun on a terrace with a cold, crisp demi and after that I’d go swimming and relax in the spa at Hotel du Vanoise in Peisey.

Any advice for families coming to the resort?

Explore as much as you can. The ski area is huge so try to avoid sticking to one part, there is so much to see. Rent a nice chalet in Vallandry, it’s a great central point it’s got excellent facilities like a crèche and ski school.

Where do you like to go for a few drinks after a hard day skiing?

< Jimmy’s après ski bar in Vallandry is great for Europop, cheap shots and lots of dancing and the Mont Blanc gets very lively but is also nice for some quiet après ski if you head out to the terrace with live music.

Where would you take beginners if you had some to stay?

In Peisey Vallandry there are a lot of nice open slopes which are ideal for gaining a little confidence and there is also a long forest track that comes into the village which is great for beginners.